Alex, Alex, Alex! Guy wake up you dey sleep, I pity you!
Alex jolted awake from his restless sleep, his eyes heavy and bloodshot, while a throbbing headache greeted him as an unwelcome companion. Holding his head, he remembered that he had a heavy load of assignments and the continuous reminder of the forthcoming semester examination accelerated his fears in the speed of light. Alex found himself overwhelmed and struggling to cope despite his dedication to academic success, he slowly realized that maybe his mental health was beginning to suffer. But he wouldn’t admit it and even if he does, can he tell his parents? Would they understand the crippling anxiety and stress he was experiencing, or would they simply dismiss him as “lazy”? The fear of being judged and misunderstood paralyzed him, leaving him feeling trapped in his own thoughts. As fast as the thought came, Alex pushed it away in a blink of an eye. He couldn’t afford to dwell on his struggles, not when there were assignments to be completed and exams to prepare for. So, he plastered on a smile, buried his feelings deep down, and soldiered on, hoping that somehow, he would find the strength to keep going.
One day, while sitting alone in the university library preparing for the forthcoming examination, Alex had a moment of realization that if he didn’t accept the truth that taking care of his mental health was just as important as striving for academic achievement it would affect him in the long run. Determined to make a change, Alex embarked on a journey to prioritize his well-being amidst the demands of student life.
As the days passed, Alex began to implement small but meaningful changes to nurture his mental health. He started by prioritizing self-care, setting aside time each day for activities that brought him joy and relaxation. Taking fruits for vitamins to nourish his body, he also takes walks at night and indulges in his favorite hobby, swimming. This helped him relax his body and brain whenever he felt tense.
With time, he learned the importance of managing stress effectively. Instead of allowing stress to consume him, he adopted various stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing exercises and words of affirmation. These practices helped Alex stay grounded and centered, even during the most challenging moments of his academic journey.
Recognizing the value of seeking support, Alex finally manned up to share his challenges. He assumed that “A problem shared is a problem half solved” so it wouldn’t kill sharing with friends, family, and university counselors who however provided guidance and encouragement. Opening up about his struggles allowed him to feel supported and understood. The so-called ‘heavyweight’ started to feel like a ‘feather’ on his shoulder.
Another major tool that he employed was to set realistic expectations for himself. He understood that perfection was not attainable at an instant except with a continuous effort. So he embraced his frailty as a human and accepted his limitations. With this, Alex found freedom from the self-imposed pressure to excel at all costs.
In the end, Alex’s story teaches a valuable lesson that true success is not measured solely by academic achievements but by the strength of one’s character, resilience, and commitment to self-care. By prioritizing your mental health, you would not only thrive academically but also find fulfilment and happiness in every aspect of your life.
